Economics is exciting and increasingly relevant in a global environment. Throughout this course you will study topics that are wide ranging, such as the debate about whether we should allow fracking, whether taxes on the rich should be raised or whether students should pay more for their university fees. We will also explore the impacts of economic shocks such as the Global Financial Crisis and more recently, the Covid pandemic on the UK and global economy.
It is a contemporary subject that requires students to carefully analyse important issues, consider the opinions of others and engage in animated discussions. As such topics are diverse and controversial, we expect all candidates to be able to read widely, be able to justify their arguments and be brave enough to reach their own informed conclusions.
Studying Economics at A Level gives our students the opportunity to apply economic analysis to problems that the current government faces. The subject equips them with the skills needed to make reasoned judgements regarding government policies that could be used to correct market failures. Economics is a diverse and dynamic subject as we study both Microeconomics and Macroeconomics in both years. Students also sit a paper which requires synoptic analysis, where elements from both sides of the course are used. We illustrate economic theory by relating each topic studied to current examples in the BBC News headlines.
The students subscribe to ‘Economics Today’ magazine and they also have free access to the ‘Financial Times’ online to encourage wider reading.
Aims
Our aim is to make lessons enjoyable and engaging, so that students will be enthusiastic, inquisitive, empowered and have high expectations of themselves. Students must be able to understand the world around them, to apply economic analysis to economic problems and to make reasoned judgements on economic issues.
Syllabus and Examinations
The Edexcel specification is a two year course, divided into the study of both microeconomics and macroeconomics. It focuses on key themes and issues in economics.
Paper 1: Markets and Business Behaviour
Themes 1 & 3 (Introduction to Markets and Business Behaviour) Microeconomics - Two hour written paper
Paper 2: The National and Global Economy
Themes 2 & 4 (The UK Economy & A Global Perspective) Macroeconomics - Two hour written paper
Paper 3: Microeconomics and Macroeconomics
Questions from all 4 Themes - Two hour written paper
- The examinations are a mixture of data response, multiple choice and extended essay questions
